- Method
- Shaken
- Glassware
- Coupe
- Ice
- No ice
- Time
- 3 min
Gimlet
Gin and sweetened lime: dry, sharp and aromatic. This is the fresh-lime version; the classic used lime cordial.
Ingredients
- 60 mlLondon dry gin
- 20 mlLime juice
- 15 mlSimple syrup
- 1 pieceLime wheel
Volume before dilution: 95 ml
Step by step
- 1
Shake the gin, lime and syrup with ice.
- 2
Double-strain into a chilled coupe.
- 3
Garnish with the lime wheel.
GarnishLime wheel
Flavor profile
Story
It is associated with the British Royal Navy, where preserved lime juice was mixed with gin to ward off scurvy. Whether the name comes from a tool or a naval surgeon is debated.
Technical notes
A homemade lime cordial (peel, juice and sugar) gives a rounder, more stable drink than fresh juice. With fresh juice, shake hard and serve immediately.
Serving
Very cold, before dinner.
Origin
Disputed origin · finales del siglo XIX / late 19th century · United Kingdom (Royal Navy)
The naval link is widely accepted; the name's origin is unresolved.
Variations
Gimlet con cordial
60 ml gin and 20 ml lime cordial, stirred.
Substitutions
- Vodka for a Vodka Gimlet.
Pairings
- Shrimp ceviche
- Cucumber with chile and lime
Techniques
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Sources
- Difford's Guide
- Imbibe! by David Wondrich
Version 1 · Updated October 20, 2026